BOOKBINDING

We have established a well equipped small bindery with most of the tools we need for restoration work

We have, in the past, hand crafted new bindings in cloth or leather to meet the individual tastes of our clients. Books of various sizes and shapes have been built, traditionally sewn and bound or using contemporary means such as thermal binding. However due to an upsurge in restoration work we now prefer to pass this type of work on to other binderies. Click here to fill out a Binding Inquiry Form if you want us to assess your proposal or recommend another bindery.

Read Lorraine's guide for Laying out and Printing a sewn section binding for valuable information about what you need to know before your print your booklet. PDF file - Layout and Printing for a sewn section booklet (Requires free Adobe Reader).

From simple book hinge repairs to more complex rebinding of older books, we pride ourselves in being able to offer a restoration service which is not only competitively priced but will ensure that the intrinsic value of your book is enhanced. Depending on the type of book and your wishes for it, we can completely restore it to look almost new, or subtly repair it while keeping all its character and integrity. Many antiquarian books from the 16th and 17th century are now being offered for sale in "later" or "recent" bindings, as the trade has realised that unless books are repaired from time to time they eventually become unusable and unsaleable. These books are still commanding high prices, despite the evidence of repair. Ask about restoration

We will never attempt work outside our capabilities as our love for books will always place the value of the book first. Where restoration is beyond our resources we will recommend another professional with the necessary skills for the task.

We are privileged to have Roger Perry, fine finisher, formerly from Bath, UK, now living close by and we have made an agreement to sub-contract much of our fine finishing work to him. See Roger and some of his beautiful work on this page.

Book cleaning and paper repair is another area we specialise in. An otherwise undamaged book can be degraded by tears, grime or insect damage. We have many methods of cleaning and repairing such damage and these can quite economically enhance the value and readability of your books. Ask about book repair.

See our Images section for some examples of our work.

For rare or valuable books, we build custom made clamshell (Solander) boxes. View some examples of our clamshells by clicking on the link.